Oceanologists warn of irreversible changes in the oceans
Oceans need immediate and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Otherwise, we will see far-reaching and irreversible consequences - marine ecosystems will suffer. This is warned by the research group of the initiative "Ocean 2015".
Before the industrial era, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere were 278 parts per million. The industry raised it 40 percent to 400 parts. The ocean is a natural “fridge” of the planet and at the same time a “cupboard” for excess greenhouse gases. It slows the warming of the planet.
For these properties, the oceans paid a high price: the water temperature rose to a depth of seven hundred meters, which caused some species to migrate four hundred kilometers closer to the poles in the last ten years. Increasing carbon dioxide in many regions prevents corals and mollusks from forming calcium carbonate skeletons. Glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, contributing to rising sea levels.
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If carbon dioxide emissions remain at the 2013 level, that is, at 36 billion tons per year, the situation will worsen. By the end of the century, this will affect all the ecosystems of the world's oceans, with consequences for people in areas in which people use the world's oceans — be it tourism, the coastal environment or fishing. And the ocean will not be able to continue to minimize the influence of man on the environment.
Researchers want to convey these messages to business:
Before the industrial era, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere were 278 parts per million. The industry raised it 40 percent to 400 parts. The ocean is a natural “fridge” of the planet and at the same time a “cupboard” for excess greenhouse gases. It slows the warming of the planet.
For these properties, the oceans paid a high price: the water temperature rose to a depth of seven hundred meters, which caused some species to migrate four hundred kilometers closer to the poles in the last ten years. Increasing carbon dioxide in many regions prevents corals and mollusks from forming calcium carbonate skeletons. Glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, contributing to rising sea levels.
')
If carbon dioxide emissions remain at the 2013 level, that is, at 36 billion tons per year, the situation will worsen. By the end of the century, this will affect all the ecosystems of the world's oceans, with consequences for people in areas in which people use the world's oceans — be it tourism, the coastal environment or fishing. And the ocean will not be able to continue to minimize the influence of man on the environment.
Researchers want to convey these messages to business:
- The ocean affects the climate system and carries an important service to people.
- Anthropogenic effects on climate affect key marine and coastal species, which is already noticeable today. Many of these plants and animals will face high risks in the coming years, even if a person succeeds in reducing emissions.
- We need urgent and significant reductions in carbon emissions in order to avoid the irreversible effects on human ecosystems and their capabilities that humans need.
- As carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases, the methods that species use for protection and adaptation become less effective. They do not have time to adjust.
Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/365757/
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